I don't always teach from a method book, but when I use a method, I like to use Celebrate Piano! Unlike the other methods, Celebrate Piano! has the student move all over the keyboard and transpose right from the start. When I used to use the other methods (which I can still teach if you prefer), it seemed that the students had a hard time learning to play in other places on the piano. The other things I like about this method is that it doesn't stretch the hand too soon. You start with things that are close in for quite some time and you don't have to play three note chords too soon. That is difficult for young pianists. It also teaches you to read by interval as well as note name. Both are necessary for proficiency at reading music. When you do learn to play chords, you learn to build all of them. So, not only do you learn the construction of the chord, but you also get used to playing all of them. Major chords first, then minor chords. At the same time, you start reading key signatures and understanding different keys. The theory is built into the pieces and there are plenty of theory worksheets in the books. The advantage of learning all the chords and how to build them is that you can use it any of the many ways you might want to play the piano (and prepare for guitar), including playing by ear, playing lead sheets, improvisation, jazz, or reading music.